Cosmic Architecture in India by Andreas Volwahsen

Cosmic Architecture in India by Andreas Volwahsen

The observatories built in the 18th century by the Indian Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1686-1743) are little understood wonders of architecture and science. "Cosmic Architecture in India" attempts to understand these mysterious buildings and the history of astronomical science behind them. Situated in Delhi, Jaipur, Benares, Ujjain and Mathura, the buildings show no similarities with contemporary Mogul architecture - indeed their simple geometrical forms inspired Le Corbusier, the great modernist. S owhat was the real significance of these observatories? Andreas Volwahsen's investigation reveals how Hindu priests and mystics as well as Indian mandala theory were the main influences on Jai Singh's architectural projects. Rather than the accurate measurement of the heavens - for which the observatories were in any case useless - the Maharaja's aim was to create a representation of his own earthly powers, and ultimately display his own superior knowledge.

SKU	Nicht verfügbar
ISBN 13	9783791325064
ISBN 10	379132506X
Titel	Cosmic Architecture in India
Autor	Andreas Volwahsen
Serie	Architecture S
Buchzustand	Nicht verfügbar
Verlag	Prestel
Erscheinungsjahr	2001-10-18
Seitenanzahl	144
Hinweis auf dem Einband	Die Abbildung des Buches dient nur Illustrationszwecken, die tatsächliche Bindung, das Cover und die Auflage können sich davon unterscheiden.